Organizer for cables and accessories in a computer and method

ABSTRACT

There is disclosed an organizing apparatus, to flexibly relocate the computer port or socket to the front, such that connection of computer peripherals becomes simpler. There are also disclosed apparatus accessories to flexibly relocate the computer port or socket to the front. The apparatus and the accessories can also be used to flexibly hold and secure electrical devices and electrical components at the front of the computer system. The organizing apparatus can be incorporated into a computer or computer casing. The organizing apparatus may also be provided with cable organizing means, wherein access cables of the computer system can be organized and stored within its housing.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/135,517, filed May 1, 2002, entitled “Organizing Apparatus”,which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/762,429, filed Feb. 6, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,406,327, entitled“Organizer for Cables and Accessories in a Computer or Audio-VideoSystem”, which in turn claims priority from PCT InternationalApplication Number PCT/UA99/00625, filed 3 Aug. 1999 (03.08.1999), whichwas published in English, which claims priority from Malaysian PatentApplication No. PI9803779, filed 19 Aug. 1998 (19.08.1998), thedisclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an organizing apparatus andmore particularly to an organizing apparatus for use with the numerouscables and accessories in a computer or audio-video system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Computers are widely used in every field imaginable. From the mostsophisticated to the basic desk top configuration, computers can befound at many offices and houses. Nowadays, many peripherals such asscanners, cameras, printers, network switches, audio players, videoplayers, etc., are connected to computers. The more peripherals that areconnected, the messier the connection of cables becomes due to thevarious sizes and colors of cables used. Generally, cables connectingthe monitor to the central processing unit (CPU), the keyboard to theCPU and etc., are left extending and dangling from the back and are notproperly organized. Very often, the cables become entangled thuscreating confusion should malfunction occur and there be a need tolocate the cause of the malfunction, not to mention the potential dangerposed to the user. Often, adding connection of peripherals to the CPUbecomes a problem, as all the necessary ports and sockets are located atthe back of the CPU. Most computers are quite heavy, especially thetypical desk top computer, and not many people are willing to spend timeand effort to perform such a job even if it will affect his/herproductivity. As an example, it would be generally easy to replace aprinter with another, however as the connection is located at the backof the CPU and usually configured at a hard-to-reach place, the taskbecomes difficult and usually we left the task to be executed by thetechnician. As computers become more sophisticated, additionalaccessories are created to cater for the various needs of the user. Someof these small accessories, such as printer selectors and extensioncables are unnecessarily built with large casings, and these largecasings definitely add more to the untidiness and the wasting ofvaluable space on the workstation.

Therefore, there is a need in the art to have an apparatus and methodwhich can contain and store excess cables and to dispense only thenecessary amount of cables, and store the rest in a systematic,dispensable, organized and pleasing manner. Additionally, there is aneed in the art to provide a particularly easy and simple system whereconnecting sockets and ports which are normally located at the back ofthe CPU are relocated to the front so as to provide easier peripheralconnections without the need to move or turn the normally heavy CPU. Inaddition, there is also a need in the art to provide an organizingapparatus with power distribution outlets incorporated therein, andwhere the extra lengths of power cables may be stored within theapparatus. There is also a need in the art to have an organizingapparatus where, switches, control devices, sockets and other smallelectrical accessories or devices can be secured thereto and fixed toits body, without the need of a separate device connecting the same tothe CPU by means of cables.

There are attempts made by inventors to provide solutions to some of theabove-mentioned problems. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,268 disclosesa modular power cord and cable organizer consisting of identicalelongated containers which can be used singly or attached in multipleunits. The device allows shortening and organizing of the power cords,wires and cables. The device generally consists of a cover and a base,and cable, wire or cord is passed through an opening in the base andcover. The cable is then coiled within the base fitted between theupright protrusions and exits through another opening. While this priorart organizing device does fulfill the intended function, it does notfulfill the requirement of eliminating problems associated withconnection of peripherals to the CPU. Still, the computer users need toturn the back of the CPU so that the hard-to-reach ports or sockets canbe reached. Another U.S. Pat. No. 5,372,225 discloses an audio and videocable storage organizer for storing excess audio and video cable onreels within a housing. Each of the reels stores thereon a length ofcable and extended therefrom through a slot in the housing and connectedto any electrical device such as VCR, etc. The cables are electricallyconnected through a switching arrangement which allows operation ofselected devices. This particular device is generally limited to be usedfor audio and video equipment.

SUMMARY

Therefore, the present invention seeks to overcome problems associatedwith the prior art organizing apparatus. Generally, aspects of thepresent invention propose an attractive and ergonomically designedorganizing apparatus for cable where excess cable can be systematicallystored in a housing or in a compartment within a housing. The number andthe size of compartments may also be varied due to the use of removablepanels. The apparatus is also provided with communication sockets andports where connection of any peripherals may be easily accomplishedwithout the need to turn the back of the computer's CPU. Additionally,the apparatus is provided with a power distributing means whichadvantageously reduces the difficulty in finding adequate power supplyoutlet for multiplicity of equipment and peripherals used. In addition,the apparatus is provided with an accessory connection bay in the formof a recess and removable slide, and the accessory connection bay isfeatured at the front or side portion of the apparatus body so as toenable fixing and securing of switches, sockets, control devices andother electrical accessories, thereby eliminating the need ofindividually independent devices. Additionally, the accessories aremounted on an attachment mechanism in a form of plate and slidingportion for enabling easier fixing of the accessories to the accessoryconnection bay.

Accordingly, it is the primary object of the present invention toprovide an organizing apparatus for use with the numerous cables for acomputer and one which remedies the limitations of the prior art.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an organizingapparatus for use with the numerous cables for computers wherein thecables are arranged within a casing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an organizingapparatus for use with the numerous cables for computers wherein thecables are arranged in a compartment within a casing.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an organizingapparatus for use with a computer where the connection of peripheralsand accessories to the computer can easily be accomplished through therelocation of the sockets and ports to the front and/or side portion ofthe apparatus.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an organizingapparatus for use with a computer where connection of peripherals andaccessories are easily accomplished by providing a demountableattachment of accessories provided with a flexible attachment mechanism.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a flexibleorganizing apparatus wherein the number and size of the organizing meanscan be varied according to need.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide anorganizing apparatus for use with an audio and video system.

These and other objects of the present invention are accomplished byproviding,

An organizing apparatus (10) comprising;

a housing having a main body section (11); and

said main body section (11) is provided with a cable organizing means(12) and a cable inlet and outlet means (13);

wherein said main body section (11) is further provided with anaccessory connection bay (14).

The further object of the present invention may also be realized byproviding,

An organizing apparatus (10) for use with an audio and video systemcomprising;

a housing having a main body section (11); and

said main body section (11) is provided with a cable organizing means(12), a cable inlet and outlet means (13);

wherein said main body section (11) is further provided with anaccessory connection bay (14).

Preferably, the accessory connection bay is formed by means of a recessand closable by a slide.

Also preferable, an accessory for use with the apparatus is mounted on aplate and the plate is demountably attached to the recess of theaccessory connection bay.

Also preferable, the organizing means is formed having a plurality ofcompartments having a plurality of panels and slots.

It is also preferable that the organizing apparatus is provided withcommunication sockets or ports, whereby the sockets and ports which arenormally configured at the rear of a CPU are relocated to the organizingapparatus at the accessory connection bay.

Also preferable, the accessory connection bay is configured at the frontand side sections of the apparatus main body so as to enable fixing andsecuring of switches, sockets, control devices and other electricalaccessories, thereby eliminating unnecessary usage of independentdevices related to the accessories.

It is also preferable that apparatus may be configured so as to providea multiple power outlet means where the power requirement of peripheralsconnected thereto may conveniently be met.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of exampleonly with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a representation of a typical computer system with accessoriesand peripherals connected thereto.

FIG. 2 is a representation of a computer with accessories andperipherals connected which utilizes embodiments of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an organizing apparatus according to anembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an organizing apparatus according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an organizing apparatus according toanother embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an apparatus accessory in accordancewith the feature of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is another perspective view showing another example of anapparatus accessory.

FIG. 8 is another perspective view showing another example of anapparatus accessory.

FIG. 9 is another perspective view showing another example of anapparatus accessory.

FIG. 10 is another perspective view showing another example of anapparatus accessory.

FIG. 11 is another perspective view showing another example of anapparatus accessory.

FIG. 12 is another perspective view showing another example of anapparatus accessory.

FIG. 13 is another perspective view showing another example of anapparatus accessory.

FIG. 14 is another perspective view showing another example of anapparatus accessory.

FIG. 15 is another perspective view showing another example of anapparatus accessory.

FIG. 16 is another perspective view showing another example of anapparatus accessory.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of theconstitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progressof science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

FIG. 1 shows a general representation of a typical computer system witha multiplicity of peripherals and accessories connected thereto.Nowadays, it is fairly common to see a computer system having suchmulti-media equipment, which usually includes camera (1), micro-phone(2) and speakers (3). Additionally, we may find a computer system whichis provided with add-on peripherals such as scanner (4), zip drive (5),along with the normal printer (6). All of these peripherals andequipment provide flexibility to the user as the computer system can beused as a productivity tool and also for entertainment. However, themore peripherals there are, the more cables are used and the messier thecable organization becomes. Such a messy and disorganized cablearrangement becomes an eyesore and also creates difficulty in finding afault associated with the peripherals if a fault should occur.

FIG. 2 shows a computer system which is provided with the embodiment ofthe present invention. The feature of the invention resides in the useof an organizing apparatus (10) which arranges cables associated witheach of peripherals in a systematic, aesthetic, flexible and convenientarrangement. Excess cables are advantageously stored within a housing,and only the necessary amount are dispensed. Communication ports (notshown) for a printer and other peripherals which are normally configuredat the back of the CPU are transferred to the housing, thus providing amore convenient peripherals connection feature. A power distributionmechanism (not shown) is also incorporated in the embodiment so as toprovide means for convenient source of power supply for use by theperipherals and accessories. Additionally, an accessory connection bay(not shown) is also arranged at the front and side sections of the mainbody section, with the purpose of allowing fixing and securing ofswitches, sockets, control devices and other electrical accessories.

Now referring to FIG. 3 a and FIG. 3 b, there are shown perspectiveviews of the organizing apparatus configured in accordance to theembodiment of the present invention. Generally, the organizing apparatuscomprises a housing, and the housing is configured having a main bodysection (11), and the main body section is provided with a cableorganizing means (12), cable inlet and outlet means (13) and optionally,provided with a cover (9). The cover (9) may be demountably attached orhingedly connected to the main body section. The demountable attachmentof the cover is made possible through the use of a slotting mechanismusing a feature such as a hood lock (8) which is configured to mate withhood strips (7) of the main body. The hinged-type attachment providesease of use as the cover can simply be flipped for allowing access.Cable organizing means (12) is advantageously provided through the useof a chamber within the main body section (11) which allows folded cableto be placed therein. Prior to the cable placement, preferably the cableis fastened using any fastening means such as string, plastic fasteneror the like. The cable inlet and outlet means (13) is generallyconfigured at the rear of the apparatus.

Preferably, a plurality of accessory connection bays (14), are arrangedalong the front and side of the main body section (11). The accessoryconnection bay (14) is generally utilized for allowing attachment of anyelectrical accessory (21) for use by the computer system. The excesscable associated with such accessory is advantageously folded within thechamber of the main body section (11). The specific feature of accessoryutilized in combination with the organizing apparatus will be discussedin detail later. The accessory connection bay (14) is generally formedas a recess (18) and the recess is closable by a slide (20). The slidemay be mounted to the recess (18) through utilization of sliding channel(19) and the sliding channel is formed on the main body section.

As generally shown by FIG. 3 b, an electrical accessory (21), such asswitch, printer port, microphone socket, etc., may be demountablyattached to the accessory connection bay (14), simply by removing theslide (20) and replacing the same. The accessory is preferably formedmounted on a plate (22), (shown in detail by FIGS. 6 a, 6 b and 7) andthe plate is provided with a sliding portion (41). The plate (22) isformed to match with the dimension of the recess (18) and the slidingportion (41) shall be formed to match with the width and thickness ofthe sliding channel (19). Any type of electrical accessory may beadapted, provided that the electrical devices must be mounted on a plateas shown by the figures.

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b generally show another aspect of the embodiment. Themain body section (11) is provided with a cable organizing means (12) ina form of a compartment (15). Preferably a plurality of suchcompartments is formed, and the excess cable is advantageously foldedand stored within the compartments. The compartments (15) may beconstructed using panels (16), and slots (17) are also provided theretofor allowing cable to enter and exit from the compartment.Alternatively, an upwardly extending protrusion (23) may be formedwithin the center of each of the compartments for assisting excess cablestoring where the cable may be coiled or wound around the protrusion. Inanother aspect of the embodiment, the panels (16) and the protrusions(23) are removably mounted to the main body section (11) base so as toprovide a flexible system whereby the size of the compartment may beincreased or reduced in accordance to need. Cables from peripherals andto CPU may enter and exit at the rear of the apparatus through an inletand outlet means (13), and the inlet and outlet means is generallycomprised of, preferably, a removable panel (30) and a plurality ofhooks (31). The removable panel is slotted into the correspondingchannel (32) which is formed on the main body section to provide suchflexible feature. The hooks (31) are utilized to separate each cablefrom being entangled with each other and for ease of reference.Communication sockets may be arranged on the main body section so as toprovide the advantageous feature of allowing easier peripheralsconnection to the CPU. The sockets (21), or commonly known as ports,provide linkage with ports which are normally fixed at the back of theCPU which are relocated to the front using, for example, extensioncables. The common practice of turning the back of the CPU to connect ordisconnect a printer, microphone, headphone, video camera or etc. is nowno longer necessary. The sockets or ports (21) are mounted to the mainbody section at the accessory connection bay (14) mentioned earlier. Byremoving the removable slide (20), switches, control devices and otherelectrical accessories may be fixed and secured. Therefore, the devicescan be ‘built in’ within the apparatus, and separate independent devicesare no longer necessary.

Still referring to FIGS. 4 a and 4 b, another compartment may beoptionally arranged near the front of the housing to provide placementof transformer (33), shown in FIG. 13. The transformer is generallyincorporated as an optional device, and a power distribution means (32),(shown in FIG. 12) separated by removable panels (35), so that the powerrequirements of the peripherals are met. The power distribution meanscan also be met with the use of conventional power sockets and plugsinserted within the chamber of the main body section.

Still referring to the figures, the cable entry and exit sectionconsists of the cable inlet and outlet means (13) and removable panel(30). Hooks (31) are used to separate each cable from becoming entangledwith each other and for easy reference, and the panel may be configuredto be removable or alternatively, provided with a recess for allowingcables to reach to the compartments (15). The compartments areconfigured using panels (16) and provided with slots (17). In use, cablefrom any of the peripherals enters through the rear of the apparatus atthe inlet and outlet means (13), is held by any of the hooks (31),passes through the recess, then enters to the compartment (15) throughone of the two slots (17), is folded and exits through the same oranother slot (17) and back to the inlet and outlet means (13), which isthen connected to the CPU. In another aspect of the embodiment, thecable enters through the inlet and outlet means (13), is held by any ofthe hooks (31), passes through the recess, then enters the compartment(15) through one of the two slots (17), is wound or coiled around theupwardly extending protrusion (23) and exits through the same or anotherslot (17) and back to the inlet and outlet means (13). The powerdistribution means (32) may include a series of connectors (not shown).Each connector is electrically linked to the main power supply cable(not shown) and the main switch (also not shown). Optionally, atransformer (also not shown) is arranged within the compartment to caterto peripherals which require a lower voltage setting. As discussedearlier, along the front and side of the main body section (11), thereare provided recesses (18) which can be replaced by electricalaccessories such as communication sockets, switches, power sockets andother electrical items (shown in FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, and 7-16). The recessforms part of the accessory connection bay essential to the presentinvention. Preferably, some of the panels (16) forming the compartmentsare of the removable type. Hood strips (7) are also provided partiallyalong the upper section of the main body to allow demountable placementof the optional cover, by sliding the cover through the hood strips. Ahinged-type attachment may also be used as described earlier.

FIG. 5 a shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. Theorganizing apparatus comprises a housing (11), which can be adapted tobe fitted into the drive bay (37) of a computer or a computer casing(38). The front panel of the said housing is introduced with a pluralityof accessory connection bays (14).

FIG. 5 b shows the incorporation of the organizing apparatus into acomputer or computer casing (38). The computer or computer casing (38)comprises a plurality of accessory connection bays (14) introduced atthe front panel of the casing. Still referring to FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, theaccessory connection bay is arranged at the front section of the housingor the casing, with the purpose of allowing the fixing and securing ofswitches, sockets, electrical devices and other electrical accessories.It also serves to relocate the computer ports or sockets to the front ofthe computer system. Hence the connection of the peripherals andaccessories to the computer can easily be accomplished.

The accessory connection bay (14) referred to in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b,comprises a recess or a cut out to the housing and the said recess orcut out is introduced with sliding channel (19) or sliding means. Theapparatus accessory (clearly illustrated in FIG. 6) can be fittinglyslipped in the accessory connection bay (14).

FIGS. 6 a and 6 b show the details of the accessory. A plate (22)comprises a cut out (40) where computer port or socket (39) can beflexibly mounted onto the plate. The plate is further introduced withsliding portion (41) or sliding means. FIG. 6 b shows the accessory witha computer port or socket mounted onto the plate. The plate can befittingly slipped into the accessory connection bay (14), and hencesecurely hold and position the computer port or socket at the front ofthe computer system. The apparatus accessory will include all computerports or sockets, to flexibly relocate the said port or socket to thefront of the computer system. FIG. 7 shows the apparatus accessory usedfor the relocation of an earphone or audio socket to the front of thecomputer system. FIG. 9 shows the apparatus accessory for a parallel orprinter port for the same purpose.

It may be readily realized that the apparatus accessory can comprise aplate (22) illustrated in FIG. 6 a, or it can also comprise a computerport or socket mounted on the plate (22) as illustrated in FIGS. 7 and9.

FIGS. 8 and 10-16 show some other examples of the apparatus accessoryused to hold and secure electrical devices or electrical components atthe front of the computer system.

It may be readily realized that, the organizing apparatus may be offeredto a consumer with or without such described apparatus accessories. Theapparatus accessories can be offered to consumers separately from theapparatus, so that the needs of the customers can be fulfilled accordingto their requirements.

While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it should be understood that various changes, adaptations andmodifications may be made thereto. It should be understood, therefore,that the invention is not limited to details of the illustratedinvention shown in the figures and that variations in such minor detailswill be apparent to one skilled in the art.

1. A system comprising: a computer casing having a front and a back andhaving a plurality of drive bays, at least one of the drive bays beingcapable of being accessed from the front of the casing; a computer cablehaving first and second opposite ends, and computer connectors at eachof the ends, the second end of the cable being routed interior of thecomputer casing; and an organizing apparatus including a housing sizedto be received in one of the drive bays, the housing of the organizingapparatus having a front side accessible from the front of the computercasing, when the housing of the organizing apparatus is received in thedrive bay, the housing of the organizing apparatus being removablymountable in the one of the drive bays, the housing of the organizingapparatus further being configured to support the first end of thecomputer cable, wherein, after the organizing apparatus is received inthe drive bay, the computer connector of the first end of the computercable is accessible from the front of the computer housing.
 2. A systemin accordance with claim 1 wherein the front side has a plurality ofslots for respective, selective, removable sliding receipt of the firstend of the computer cable and the first ends of additional computercables, the first ends respectively being slidable into the slot in adirection parallel to a plane defined by the front of the housing.
 3. Asystem in accordance with claim 1 wherein the front side has a pluralityof slots for respective, selective, removable sliding receipt of thefirst end of the computer cable and the first ends of additionalcomputer cables, the first ends respectively being slidable into theslot in a direction parallel to a plane defined by the front of thehousing, and further comprising a plurality of first ends of cablesreceived in respective slots.
 4. A system in accordance with claim 3wherein at least two of the computer connectors are of different types.5. A system in accordance with claim 3 wherein the computer connectorscomprise a parallel connector.
 6. A system in accordance with claim 3wherein the computer connectors comprise an audio connector.
 7. A systemin accordance with claim 3 wherein the slot and the first end of acomputer connector include tongues and grooves for sliding engagementinto the slot.
 8. A system in accordance with claim 3 including aplurality of cables respectively including different connector types,the first end of each connector including a frame having edges shaped toengage the slot in the organizing apparatus, by movement in a directionalong a generally vertical plane, wherein a user can select whichconnectors are desired to be accessible from the front of the casing bysliding a frame of a selected one of the cables into the slot.
 9. Asystem in accordance with claim 3 wherein the connectors on each end ofone of the cables are of a same type.
 10. A computer comprising: acomputer casing having a front and a back; a plurality of computercables respectively having first and second opposite ends, and computerconnectors at the first ends, the first end of each cable includingopposite edges having respective tongues on either side of the connectorat the first end, the tongues being shaped for sliding, matingengagement in corresponding opposed grooves; and the front of thecomputer casing having a plurality of slots therein, each slot havingopposed grooves for removable sliding receipt of the opposed tongues ofone of the cables, wherein the first ends of the cables are received inrespective slots, with the tongues received in the grooves.
 11. Acomputer in accordance with claim 10 and further comprising a panelslidingly received in each slot which does not have a cable end receivedtherein, to close the slot.
 12. A computer in accordance with claim 10wherein the first end of each cable includes a generally rectangularportion defining the opposite edges having tongues.
 13. A computer inaccordance with claim 10 wherein at least two of the computer connectorsare of different types.
 14. A computer in accordance with claim 10wherein at least two of the computer connectors having ends received inthe slots are of a same type.
 15. A computer in accordance with claim 10wherein the computer connectors having ends received in the slotscomprise a parallel connector.
 16. A computer in accordance with claim10 wherein the computer connectors having ends received in the slotscomprise an audio connector.
 17. A computer in accordance with claim 10wherein the connectors on either end of one of the cables are of a sametype.
 18. A computer in accordance with claim 10 wherein the first endof each cable is slidably removable from the organizing device by handwithout need for any tool.
 19. A method of providing access to aplurality of user-selectable computer ports at the front of a computer,in a computer including a casing having a front, a back, an inside, anoutside, and a plurality of computer ports, the method comprising:opening the casing; providing a plurality of computer cablesrespectively having first and second opposite ends, and having computerconnectors at each of the ends; routing the second end of each cableinside the computer casing; providing a support for reconfigurablysupporting the first ends of the plurality of cables, in differentpossible arrangements, without need for a tool, wherein the connector ofthe first ends are accessible from the front of the computer; supportingthe first end of each cable in the support such that the connector ofthe first end of each cable is accessible from the front of the housing;and closing the casing.
 20. A computer comprising: a computer casing; aplurality of slots in the front of the casing, each slot having opposedgrooves, wherein the first ends of the cables are received in respectiveslots, with. the tongues received in the grooves; a plurality of cableshaving first and second ends, with a male connector of one type at oneend and a female connector of a same type at the other end, the firstend including a frame having first and second opposite edges, each edgehaving a tongue, the tongues being shaped for sliding receipt in theopposed grooves of any of the slots, by movement in a direction along agenerally vertical plane, wherein a user can determine what connectortype to place in a slot for access at the front side of the computer andcan change connector types by changing cables.